Allied health professionals play a vital role in Australia's healthcare system. They are highly trained experts who work alongside doctors, nurses, and dentists to help you manage your health and wellbeing. These professionals offer a wide range of services, including helping to diagnose conditions, providing treatment, supporting recovery from illness or injury, and offering preventative care. From physiotherapists who aid movement, to dietitians who provide nutritional advice, and psychologists who support mental health, allied health services are designed to help you live a healthier and more independent life. Understanding the roles of these professionals can help you access the right support for your unique health needs.

What are allied health professionals?

Allied health professionals are healthcare workers who are not nurses, doctors or dentists. They can help you with a range of physical and mental health needs.

They provide services that include diagnosis, treatment, preventative care or rehabilitation.

Allied health professions are managed either by:

• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• self-regulation, through their relevant professional organisation

What are the different types of allied health professions?

There are many different types of allied health professionals.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners are trained healthcare workers. They give culturally safe care with other healthcare staff to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.

Art therapists and music therapists use therapies to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Art therapy includes a range of approaches including:

• theatre therapy
• dance and movement
• music therapy
• drawing, painting and crafts

Audiologists help with hearing loss and fit hearing devices.

Chinese medicine practitioners offer services including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines.

Chiropractors diagnose and treat back pain and musculoskeletal disorders (muscles ligaments, bone and joints).

Dietitians help you to understand the relationship between the food you eat and your health. They check your risk of malnutrition and help manage conditions such as diabetes, obesity and others with personalised dietary advice.

Exercise physiologists can provide wellness programs to develop strength, balance and prevent falls.

Occupational therapists support people with physical, mental, cognitive or developmental challenges related to injury, illness or disability. They help people live more independently, perform daily activities and improve their quality of life.

Optometrists are experts in eye health. They can prescribe glasses and contact lenses and can also help treat eye conditions.

Orthoptists diagnose and treat eye conditions. They specialise in children's vision, eye movement disorders and low vision care.

Orthotists and prosthetists supply splints, braces and artificial limbs (prostheses) to help improve mobility and independence.

Osteopaths use manual therapy to improve movement and help reduce pain. They may also give advice about exercise and lifestyle.

Perfusionists operate life support machines during heart surgery.

Pharmacists are experts in medicines. They prepare and dispense medicines, and also explain how to take your medicines safely. In some states, pharmacists also give vaccines.

Physiotherapists help people of all ages improve movement and physical function. They work in prevention, recovery and rehabilitation.

Podiatrists assess, diagnose and treat problems of the foot, ankle and lower leg.

Psychologists help you understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and support you to manage emotional or mental health challenges. Psychologists are different from psychiatrists. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and not an allied health professional.

Speech pathologists help if you have problems with your speech, language, communication or swallowing.

Other allied health professionals include counsellors, social workers, diabetes educators, genetic counsellors, radiographers and sonographers.

How do I arrange to see an allied health professional?

You can find allied health professionals at community health centres, hospitals or private clinics. Depending on your needs and the type of allied health professional you want to see, you may need a referral from your doctor. Ask your doctor or nurse if an allied health service is right for you. You don't always need a referral — you can often contact an allied health professional directly for an appointment.

How do I find an allied health professional?

Your doctor may be able to refer you to an allied health professional. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations.

What can I expect when I visit an allied health professional?

When you visit an allied health professional, they will ask you questions about your health and may examine you. Your treatment will depend on your age and health needs.

Tips for visiting an allied health professional

It's a good idea to take to your appointment a list of your:

• symptoms
• medicines
• other treatments

You can also take a list of your questions. You can ask your allied health professional questions such as:

• What are the best options for me?
• How many sessions will I need?
• How long until I start to feel better?
• Will you talk to my doctor?

Once you've had the first visit, you can decide if you feel they can help in a way that suits you.

Does Medicare cover the costs of allied health services?

Medicare may cover part of the cost of some allied health services. This depends on your health condition and eligibility.

You may be able to get help with the cost if:

• you have a chronic (long-term) health condition
• you need mental health support
• you have a child with a neurodevelopmental condition (such as autism spectrum disorder)

In these cases, your doctor must prepare a 'care plan' for you.

It's a good idea to ask about any out-of-pocket costs before you make your appointment.

Some private health insurance funds may cover some costs of allied health services. If you have private health insurance, check what is covered before you make your appointment.

Resources and support

The Australian Government has information on allied health care, including an allied health fact sheet with details about different types of allied health professionals.

Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) is the peak body for allied health in Australia. It provides information about the role and work of individual allied health professionals.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Indigenous Allied Health Australia is a national, member-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health organisation.